I have a 686P and love it. My wife shoots it, and it does look large in her hands..but she shoots it better than my 9mm, and really likes it. She is only 5'4" and 130 lbs.
We rarely shoot magnum loads....just to stay familiar with the recoil, and to impress my non-shooter friends, but it is nice to have the option. I have shot cowboy PPC loads with it that remind me of a .22, and 1400+ feet magnum loads (these do have a shock wave blast... and I can shoot minute of man at 200 yards).
It is a very strong/sturdy gun, and will last generations shooting only .38's.
Real purdy stainless too.